Stealthy Sonata

Hyundai's roomy midsize might not get recognition it deserves

The gray leather in the test model was bland in appearance and aroma but seemed durable. And gear engagement was notchy as the lever was moved through the staggered gates of the floor-shift console.

The back seat is raised slightly and features a fold-down center armrest with cup holders and a height-adjustable center head restraint — a feature not all sedans offer. There's enough legroom for some people to kick back and cross their legs.

The cabin is well soundproofed, but tire noise is noticeable on sections of concrete interstate.

Standard safety features include six air bags, electronic stability control with traction control, ABS and electronic brake-force distribution.

The powertrain combination of 249-horsepower V-6 and Shiftronic automatic is efficient with fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 29 highway using 87 octane. Performance can be slow to respond as the driver-adaptive electronics catch up to an urgent press of the throttle. The transmission can be shifted manually, but it's not a true sporting effort.

The suspension on the Limited V-6 makes it feel like a cushy sport sedan. It was a mix of compliant softness that bottoms with a jolt from firm shock absorbers.

The four-cylinder SE test car was much smoother in the corners with less tire squeal on fast approaches. It felt better sorted for shift points and acceleration. The 175-horsepower engine is a good balance of power and thrift. Its fuel economy with the five-speed automatic beats the manual by 1 mpg in the city: 22 mpg city and 32 highway from the five-speed automatic transmission, which beats the manual by 1 mpg around town.

The Sonata has all the right stuff, but it's still one evolution away from being a dynamic, driver's car. The warranties are what really turn heads.

The Hyundai Advantage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage with 24-hour roadside assistance — with an allowance for trip-interruption expenses. Powertrain coverage is for 10 years/100,000 miles.